Melissa - Teacher #2442

Instruments:
- Guitar
- Piano
- Singer-Songwriter
- Ukulele
- Voice

Services:
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM - Basic Rudiments
- RCM - Intermediate Rudiments
- Solfege

Languages:
- Cantonese
- English
- Mandarin

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching approach revolves around embracing the joy of music, from leisurely exploration to examinations and competitions. I believe in fostering a deep appreciation for music through creative and expressive techniques.

Musical Education

My passion for music ignited at the tender age of three when I had my very first piano lesson. Over the years, my dedication to the piano led me to study under renowned pianists Patricia Rolston and Anya Alexeyev. The culmination of my piano journey came in 2016 when I completed my ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Beyond the piano, I pursued a Bachelor of Music Therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University, accompanied by a minor in Psychology. During my time there, I had the privilege of studying piano under the guidance of the esteemed Anya Alexeyev. Throughout my musical studies, I was humbled to receive numerous scholarships and recognitions, including the prestigious Anne Brownjohn Memorial Award in Music Therapy.

In addition to my piano and voice talents, I am well-versed in concert and jazz alto saxophone, violin, guitar, and ukulele. My musical journey also involved being a part of the Richmond Youth Honour Choir, where I not only sang but also became the piano accompanist at a remarkably young age of 12. Together, we participated in various local and international choral festivals, leaving a melodic mark at events like the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Richmond Children's Festival. My musical pursuits have also led me to collaborate with esteemed groups like the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Peace Choir.

Awards and Distinctions

Music Therapist - Board Certified • Anne Brownjohn Memorial Undergraduate Award in Music Therapy • ARCT Performers Diploma • The University of Toronto National Book Award • District Authority Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts • Kronier Family Scholarship • RSS Award for Excellence in Music

Special Skills and Training

Upon completing a national board examination and many clinical practicums, I am currently a certified music therapist and member of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists and Music Therapy Association of British Columbia. My music therapy experience includes working with children and youth with diverse needs at Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital and other education facilities, young adults with complex developmental and physical needs at day programs, adults with mental health challenges through a not-for-profit clinic, and seniors at multiple long-term care residences. I began teaching beginner piano at age 13 and now have over ten years of experience working with students of all ages and backgrounds. As a certified music therapist, my extensive experience working with children and youth inspires me to develop and adapt lessons that support individual learning styles and unique interests.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).